Kota Kinabalu: The commissioning of the 275kV Sabah-Sarawak Interconnection marks a strategic milestone in strengthening electricity supply security and powering Sabah’s future.
Through the cross-border transmission link, Sabah is now able to tap into a wider and more robust generation mix from the regional grid, significantly enhancing system stability, increasing reserve margins and supporting long-term demand growth.
“It significantly boosted the region’s power supply stability and opening doors to sustainable growth,” said Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utility Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam who witnessed the ceremony at the Load Despatched Centre, near here, Saturday.
The synchronising of the Transmission Line was tied at PMU Mengalong, Sipitang and the witnessing ceremony was conducted virtually via the Microsoft Teams platform, enabling seamless participation from SE and SEB.
Joachim said the interconnection also reinforces the vision of creating a more resilient and interconnected Borneo power system, enabling energy-sharing capabilities, operational flexibility and greater protection against supply disruptions.
He said ultimately, the project positions Sabah to accelerate its energy transition agenda, improve reliability for consumers and foster sustainable economic development across the region.
The transmission lines were successfully put on soak on Dec 10 and scheduled to be commercially in operation on Saturday (Dec 13) when the energy flow will be connected to the Sabah Grid, allowing an additional 30MW to 50MW of power to be injected, enhancing grid stability, supporting growing demand and strengthening operational resilience.
This marks a new phase in Sabah energy transition and driving initiatives that deliver better service and an enhanced experience for the people of Sabah.
Beyond Sabah, the interconnection also lays the foundation for the future Asean Power Grid.
The commissioning ceremony which mark a history for both Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd(SE) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) was attended by Sabah Electricity’s Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Jaafar and SEB Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Utility Datuk Ridwan Limus, SE Chairwoman Saadiah Aziz and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Commission of Sabah, Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid.
